Private J. Esler

 

The background of this man is not known at present, other than that he was from Belfast, and was born around 1897. The Presbyterian Church in Ireland's Roll of Honour records a Trooper James Esler from Canmore Street, Nelson Memorial Congregation (regiment not stated), who may be the same man.

Esler enlisted in the 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons Service Squadron at Belfast between 1 and 6 January 1917 (No. UD/311). He was 5' 10" tall and had a fresh complexion with fair hair.

On 14 April 1917 the newspaper Ireland's Saturday Night published the following letter:

No. 2 Troop, 6th S.S. Innis. Dragoons.

Dear Franc – A few Belfast boys serving with the Dragoons would like some kind reader to send us an old melodeon to pass away our spare time. – Yours, etc., Lance-Corporal J. GIBSON, Troopers H. VANCE, R. H. LOGAN, W. MURRAY, W. WALLACE, J. ESLER, W.T. CARSON

(Please forward to Trooper Harry Vance, Castle Barracks, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh).

On 11 April, however, Esler deserted from Enniskillen. It is not known whether he was ever apprehended.

 

This page last updated 21 December 2023.